Mini chnauzer training begins and ends with you. Despite what methods you may employ to teach your pooch, ultimately you are the one they will turn to when it comes to finding direction and leadership. Therefore, you need to make sure that you are a consistent and dependable pack leader or you will have plenty of problems on your hands.

The smallest schnauzer variety is quite intelligent, energetic and very alert. While he is very loveable and calm indoors, he will display his dominance within the household if he is not properly handled or treated as a dog. Hence, miniature schnauzer training and socialization is a necessity for building his respect, confidence and loyalty, as well as developing the characteristics for which this breed is celebrated.

One of the biggest mistakes new dog owners make is confusing love and friendliness for respect and loyalty. Although it is important to be affectionate with your dog, it is imperative that you offer this attention at the appropriate times and this affection should only be given to your pooch when you choose to give it. For instance, while training should be done in a positive and gentle manner it should still be firm and direct, not babying and casual.

One of the most important lessons you must learn when you own and take part in miniature schnauzer training is that your relationship with your four legged friend has limits and there are rules and expectations he must follow and you must enforce.

It is not cruel to reprimand or discipline your dog by telling him “No!”, taking away your attention, his toys or giving him a time out when he is not listening. It is imperative that he immediately knows he has displeased you or has exceeded his limits when he does. He cannot learn from his mistakes if he doesn’t know that what he has done is wrong. He must know his place and only you can show him.

That being said, dogs are not people, they do not act or think like humans do. You need to be very mindful of this when you train and give commands. For instance, if you tell your dog to “come” and he obeys you but happens to knock over something on the way and this item breaks, you cannot scold him for breaking this object. If he comes to you, regardless of what happens a long the way, you must praise him, because if you get mad at him when he has obeyed you, he will associate your displeasure with the action, which was obeying your command, and this will create confusion. He will not understand that you are made about a broken item.

Thus, you need to learn when and when not to reprimand your pooch just as you need to know when and when not to give him affection. Having a solid understanding of the dog world will help you to become a great trainer and will make mini schnauzer training smoother and more productive.